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From primary to mature: What's hidden in the amazing journey of egg development?
Follicles in the ovary are round cell aggregates that are crucial to female reproductive physiology. These follicles secrete hormones that influence each phase of the menstrual cycle. Women have approximately 200,000 to 300,000 follicles during puberty, each of which has the potential to release an egg for fertilization during ovulation. Eggs are developed every month throughout a woman's life, and approximately 450 to 500 of them are eventually excreted from the body.
The ovarian follicle is the basic unit of female reproductive biology. Each follicle contains a single oocyte (i.e., an immature egg).
The development process of oocytes is very complex. Starting from the primordial follicle, with the operation of physiological mechanisms, the oocytes finally mature and are released in specific months. During ovulation, mature follicles reduce to one egg, thus ensuring the orderliness of the reproductive process.
Egg and surrounding cells
Every month, the ovary releases a mature egg, called an oocyte. This process is driven by the interaction of several hormones.
The group of cells surrounding the oocyte is called "cumulus cells", and their number changes depending on the level of gonadotropins in the blood.
The role of cumulus cells in follicles is crucial. They not only protect oocytes, but also participate in the synthesis and secretion of hormones. Cumulus cell growth is promoted when follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels rise and is reduced when testosterone concentrations rise.
The structure of follicle
Each follicle is composed of oocytes, cumulus cells, and other related cells. The structure of the follicle includes the follicle basement membrane, inner granulosa cells, and outer spreading cells, forming a protective environment for the healthy development of oocytes.
"The oocyte will transform into a secondary oocyte in the mature follicle and enter the metaphase arrest stage before fertilization."
As the follicle matures, the development of the oocyte enters the first stage of meiosis, which is called the "oocyte dynamic and quiescent phase". During this period, the oocyte stagnates until ovulation and fertilization occur.
Clinical significance
The health of follicles directly affects women’s reproductive ability. Follicles larger than about three centimeters are called ovarian cysts, which may affect normal hormone levels and menstrual cycles. Nowadays, ovarian function can be effectively assessed through imaging examinations, and the volume of follicles can be quickly measured through ultrasound technology.
"Cryopreservation of ovarian tissue allows many people to preserve their fertility, especially women at risk from cancer treatment."
With the advancement of technology, follicle culture and monitoring techniques have continued to evolve, including the use of specific growth factors and three-dimensional extracellular matrix support. These studies help to understand the maturation stages of oocytes and provide new ideas for reproductive medicine.
Through these discussions, we gain a deeper understanding of the development process of eggs and its impact on female reproductive health. What other mysteries are hidden behind the egg maturation journey?
